Elderly, disabled benefit from Geingob’s charity

Elderly and disabled persons from the southern regions benefited from President Hage Geingob’s Winter Charity Drive when they received food parcels and blankets.

Launched in the capital recently, President Hage Geingob’s Winter Charity Drive reached the needy from the Hardap and // Karas regions, with 200 individuals from each region benefiting.

Gathered in the community hall at Stampriet the beneficiaries waited patiently to receive a parcel, and ululations and singing songs were the order of the day, as they showed their happiness and appreciation towards the efforts of the president.

One of the beneficiaries, 52-year-old Johannes Pieterse, who is wheelchair-bound, thanked Geingob for the caring gesture, saying it is a good thing that the president wants to help the poor and the most vulnerable, and wished him many years in return.

“We are very thankful to receive something from the president today – it’s indeed a good gesture and we wish him health and strength so that he continue with his good work,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation from the president’s office, community liaison officer Jeff Mbako explained to the gathered crowd that the parcels are sourced from the president’s salary and it’s a continuation of what the president started in the capital.

He said the president aims to help the poor each month and thus he has dedicated 20 percent of his monthly salary towards realising that aim.

Although only 200 people from each region benefited this time around, Mbako had a message of hope for those that didn’t, urging them not to feel left out as more is still coming their way.

“The president is aware that not only 200 people need help, don’t despair or lose hope, we are still coming,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Hardap regional governor Esme Isaack indicated the programme is evident of Geingob’s principle that no one must be left out.

She said the items received by the elders are fundamental commodities, especially during this freezing winter, adding that the head of state is leading by example.

“We have a president today that leads by example,” she stated.
She called on the beneficiaries to value and appreciate the noble initiative, and furthermore called on the private sector to come on board in the spirit of Harambee and commit themselves towards helping the communities in which they operate.

//Karas regional governor Lucia Basson was also in Mariental to receive some of the parcels, which will be handed to selected beneficiaries in //Karas.